Device for Training the Muscles of the Body

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for training the muscles of the body, comprising a stack of weights ( 1 ) disposed one over the other. In order to couple the weights ( 1 ) to a lifting device ( 2 ), each weight ( 1 ) is associated with a pin ( 3 ) or a pivot plate ( 12 ) arranged in a vertical line and aligned correspondingly equally. A linearly adjustable actuation device presses the desired pin ( 3 ) inward, or pivots the pivot plate ( 12 ), and produces the coupling to the lifting device ( 2 ).

The invention concerns a device for training the muscles of the body according to the preamble of claim 1.

Training devices for developing and/or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by overcoming a counterforce are known in various embodiments.

The device according to the invention for training the muscles of the body is based on a tower of weights in which the plate-shaped weights are stacked in a stack on top of each other. This stack of weights is penetrated by a vertical rod which forms the lifting device for all weights or some of the weights. In order to be able to adjust the desired weight load, a bolt is provided. The latter is pushed through an appropriate bore through the weight in question. The rod of the lifting device has an aligned bore for this purpose that will then be engaged by the leading end of the bolt. In this way, the weight is coupled to the lifting device. By lifting the lifting device, the weight as well as all weights positioned on top are lifted while the weights underneath will remain in their rest position.

The disadvantage of this fitness device is however that for changing the weight load, the person must leave the device in order to be able to transfer the bolt into a new position, i.e., the bolt must first be pulled out and then reinserted into the new position.

Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide an improved adjusting device for selecting the weight force for a device for training the muscles of the body of the aforementioned kind.

The technical solution is characterized by the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1.

In this way, an adjusting device for the weight force of the fitness device is provided that is adjustable in the training position by the person that is training without the person having to leave the fitness device. The basic idea of the adjusting device resides in that an actuating device is provided that is linearly slidable. Along the displacement path of this actuating device the corresponding positions for the desired weight force are provided. The technical realization provides that each position for adjusting the weight force has correlated therewith a coupling element that in the basic position is in a disengaged position with the correlated weight. By means of the actuating device the desired coupling element can be adjusted so that the appropriate weight is coupled to the lifting device. Inasmuch as a new weight force is to be adjusted, it is only required to return by means of the actuating device the coupling element, to linearly move the actuating device in order to then adjust in the new position the appropriate weight force in that the coupling element by means of the actuating device is moved into the engagement position at the lifting device. The basic idea resides thus in a slide control that is moveable along the weights and actuatable accordingly.

According to the embodiment of claim 2, the adjusting movement of the actuating device can either be carried out by hand or by means of an electrical drive.

Preferably, the actuating device according to the embodiment of claim 3 has a gripping device for positive-lockingly gripping the coupling element. The basic idea resides thus in that after the linear displacement of the actuating device, the latter grips the desired selected coupling element so that it, by means of the actuating device, is transferred into the engagement position at the lifting device.

In order to be able to adjust by means of the actuating device in a technically simple way the coupling element, the embodiment according to claim 4 proposes that the actuating device is pivotable. This means that first for selecting the appropriate weight or coupling element the actuating device is moved linearly. Once the actuating device has reached the position of the desired coupling element, the actuating device is then pivoted. This pivot movement then exerts an adjusting movement onto the coupling element.

The embodiment according to claim 5 proposes a concrete technical realization of the actuating device. The basic idea resides in that the actuating device is arranged so as to be longitudinally slidable on a vertical rod. However, the actuating device is non-rotatably arranged on this rod. This is to be understood such that a pivot movement of the rod exerts a pivot movement on the actuating device and vice versa. Moreover, on the rod an adjusting device is arranged. This adjusting device is a device that is actuated by hand. Here, the adjusting device is also freely longitudinally slidable but again non-rotatably connected to the rod. In this way, by a linear movement of the adjusting device on the rod the actuating device can be moved into the desired position relative to a selected coupling element. Subsequently, it is only necessary to rotate the adjusting device somewhat. The coupling of the movement with the pivotable rod causes the actuating device to also carry out a pivot movement that transfers the coupling element into the engagement position at the lifting device. As an alternative to the pivotable rod, a stationary vertical rod can be provided also on which a sleeve is supported so as to be rotatable as well as longitudinally slidable. On this sleeve the actuating device as well as the adjusting device are fixedly arranged.

The adjusting device can be arranged directly on the actuating device so that the adjusting device and the actuating device form an assembly. However, it is also conceivable that according to the embodiment of claim 6 coupling of the movement between the adjusting device and the actuating device is realized by means of an endless belt or the like. This means that the actuating device as well as the adjusting device are attached to the endless belt so that upon movement of the adjusting device the actuating device carries out a corresponding movement. In this way it is possible to arrange the adjusting device at an entirely different location than the actual operative area of the actuating device.

The embodiment according to claim 7 proposes a technically simple possibility for engaging and disengaging the respective coupling element by means of the actuating device. The basic principle resides in that the coupling elements each have a head. The heads of these coupling elements are aligned in the basic position of the coupling element on a line on top of each other. This means that the actuating device with the two prongs can be moved along these heads successively wherein the heads are positioned between the two prongs, respectively. Upon reaching the desired coupling element it is then only necessary to move the actuating device such that one of the prongs of the actuating device moves the head of the coupling element and the coupling element is correspondingly adjusted. In order to be able to return the coupling element into the release position, the actuating device is moved in opposite direction so that the other prong becomes active.

Moreover, the embodiment according to claim 8 proposes that for fine adjustment of the weights also additional weights can be engaged. These additional weights have a smaller mass than the actual main weight. The basic principle in activating these additional weights resides in that the coupling element can be adjusted in a two-step manner. In the first step, initially the main weight is engaged and in the second step in which the coupling element is still further adjusted the additional weight is engaged also.

According to the embodiment of claim 9 the coupling element can be formed by a bolt that this movable in longitudinal direction. The basic principle resides in that this bolt is longitudinally slidably supported within the corresponding weight. When the bolt is pushed inwardly, its tip will be positioned in a corresponding cutout in the lifting device and in this way provides positive-locking action. Accordingly, the corresponding weight is coupled with the lifting device. By pulling out the bolt, decoupling is realized.

Preferably, the bolt according to the embodiment of claim 10 has a head that is fixedly connected by a neck to the actual bolt body. The basic principle resides in that the head is surrounded by a fork-like actuating device with two prongs. This means that the actuating device embodied in this way is arranged perpendicularly to the displacement direction of the bolt and in this way surrounds the head with its two prongs. By a pivot movement of the actuating device in the appropriate direction the bolt is pushed inwardly. By a pivot movement of the actuating device in the other direction, the bolt is then pulled out again. In both cases, the corresponding prongs of the actuating device will rest against a head of the bolt. This arrangement of the bolts with their heads has moreover the advantage that the afore described actuating device can be moved along the heads of the bolts.

An alternative to the afore described bolts proposes according to the embodiment of claim 11 a pivot plate as a coupling element. The pivot plate is arranged pivotably on the correlated weight, respectively. The pivot plate is provided with a profiling that corresponds to a profiling of the lifting device. When the pivot plate is in the basic position, no positive-locking connection between the pivot plate, on the one side, and the lifting device, on the other side, is provided. This means that the pivot plate is decoupled from the lifting device and thus from the weight. As soon as the pivot plate is transferred into its pivot position, a positive-locking engagement of the pivot plate with the lifting device is realized. This means that the corresponding weight plate is coupled with the lifting device and can be lifted.

According to the embodiment of claim 12, the lifting device is embodied as a rod. This rod penetrates the pivot plate. This means that the pivot plate is provided with an opening. This opening is provided with two shapes. Within one shape the pivot plate is movable along the rod providing the lifting device without coupling taking place. After pivoting the pivot plate into the other shape of the opening, a positive-locking connection between pivot plate and rod is generated and in this way the desired coupling action is achieved.

Two embodiments of the device according to the invention for training the muscles of the body will be disclosed in the following with the aid of the drawings. They show in:

FIG. 1 a a perspective illustration of the fitness device according to a first embodiment in the initial position without a weight being engaged;

FIG. 1 b an illustration in accordance with that of FIG. 1 a but with a weight being engaged;

FIG. 1 c an illustration in accordance with those of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b after an additional weight has been engaged;

FIGS. 2 a to 2 c section illustrations in the area of the bolt in accordance with illustration of FIGS. 1 a to 1 c;

FIG. 3 a perspective front view of the fitness device after lifting some of the coupled weights;

FIG. 3 b the perspective illustration of the device from the rear;

FIG. 4 a a perspective illustration of the fitness device of a second embodiment in the initial position without a weight being engaged;

FIG. 4 b an illustration according to FIG. 4 a but with a weight being engaged;

FIG. 5 a a plan view onto a weight with pivot plate wherein in solid line the released position and in dash-dotted line the locked position is indicated;

FIG. 5 b a side view of the illustration in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c an illustration of the corresponding lifting device in the form of a rod.

In FIGS. 1 a to 3 b a first embodiment and in FIGS. 4 a to 5 c a second embodiment of the fitness device is illustrated.

The fitness device in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 a to 3 b has a stack of plate-shaped weights 1. These weights 1 have correlated therewith a rod-shaped lifting device 2 that penetrates the weights 1 vertically.

Each of these weights 1 has a horizontal bolt 3 correlated therewith. In this connection, the bolt 3 is movable in horizontal direction linearly, in particular within a matching horizontal through bore within the weight 1. The bolt 3 each have a head 4 that by means of a neck 5 is connected fixedly to the actual bolt body. The heads 4 of the bolts 3 are positioned on a vertical line on top one another.

The bolts 3 have correlated therewith an actuating device 6. The latter has two prongs 7. It is arranged so as to be movable freely in vertical direction on a vertical rod 8. However, the actuating device 6 is non-rotatably secured relative to the rod 8. The rod 8 itself is however pivotable above its vertical center axis.

Moreover, on the rod 8 an adjusting device 9 is also freely movable in vertical direction but is again non-rotatably arranged. This adjusting device 9 has a manual lever. The coupling of the movement of the actuating device 6 and the adjusting device 9 is realized by means of an endless belt 10 or the like which is guided along the rod 8 about rollers.

The function is as follows:

In the initial position all bolts 3 are in the pulled-out position. In this position none of the weights 1 is coupled with the lifting device 2.

By moving upwardly or downwardly the adjusting device 9 along the vertical rod 8, the actuating device 6 is also moved up or down accordingly by means of the movement entraining mechanism with the endless belt 10. In this connection the heads 4 of the bolts 3 are positioned between the two prongs 7 of the actuating device 6. With an appropriate indicator in the movement range of the adjusting device 9, the actuating device 8 can be moved into a desired position in which a selected bolt 3 can be actuated.

For this purpose, the adjusting device 9 is rotated somewhat by means of its manual lever such that the prongs 7 of the actuating device 6 move the head 4 and thus the bolt 3 inwardly as is illustrated in particular in the detail view B of FIG. 1 b as well as FIG. 2 b. In this inserted position of the bolt 3, its forward end is positioned in a corresponding opening of the lifting device 2. Accordingly, the coupling between the weight 1 and the lifting device 2 by means of the bolt 3 is provided.

In this position, the lifting device 2 can be actuated, i.e., can be moved up or down. By coupling a selected weight with this lifting device 2, the weights 1 positioned above are entrained as a result of their stacked arrangement.

If it is desired to “add” an additional weight 11, it is only necessary to rotate the adjusting device 9 a little farther (FIG. 1 c as well as FIG. 2 c). In this case, the bolt 3 is moved still a little father so that with its leading end it is positioned in a corresponding receiving bore of the additional weight 11. Accordingly, not only the weight 1 but also the corresponding additional weight 11 are coupled to the lifting device 2.

In order to realize a completely new weight adjustment, it is necessary to first return the adjusting device 9 so that the selected bolt 3 is pulled out again. Since the head 4 of this bolt 3 is then again aligned with the heads 4 of the other bolts 3, it is now possible again by means of the adjusting device 9 to move the actuating device 6 up or down in order to select in this way a new bolt 3. In this case, the movement sequence as described above is repeated.

The second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 a to 5 c, is based on the same principle as the first embodiment. The fitness device has a stack of plate-shaped weights 1. These weights 1 have a rod-shaped lifting device 2 correlated therewith that penetrates the weights 1 vertically.

Each of these weights 1 has a pivot plate 12 correlated therewith as a coupling element that is supported pivotably on the topside or bottom side of the correlated weight 1. This pivot plate 12 is of a sector-shaped embodiment and has a head 4 at its rearward end that projects past the rim of the weight 1. This pivot plate 12 is characterized in the interior by a cutout 13. This cutout 13 is shaped on one side as a circular arc 14 and on the other side shaped as a longitudinal slot 15 that is perpendicular to the arc.

This cutout 13 is penetrated by a rod-shaped lifting device 2. As can be seen in FIG. 5 c, the rod-shaped lifting device 2 has a sawtooth profile. This profile is designed such that the circular part 14 of the cutout 13 of the pivot plate 12 will positive-lockingly engage the area of the reduced cross-section while the longitudinal slot 15 is somewhat greater than the cross-section of the rod-shaped lifting device 2.

Moreover, a vertical rod 8 is provided on which a longitudinal sleeve 16 is supported slidably in the longitudinal direction as well as supported pivotably. On the lower end of the sleeve 16 there is an actuating device 6. The latter is fixedly connected to the sleeve 16. This actuating device 6 has two prongs 7. At the upper end of the sleeve 16 there is an adjusting device 9 in the form of a manual lever.

The function is as follows:

In the initial position all pivot plates 12 are in the same pivot position. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 a by the solid line. In this position, the rod-shaped lifting device 2 is located in all pivot plates 12 in their longitudinal slot 15 of the cutout 13.

By up and down movement of the adjusting device 9 along the vertical rod 8 the actuating device 6 with its prongs 7 is moved down or up. In this connection, the heads 4 of the pivot plates 12 are aligned so that these heads 4 are always between the prongs of the actuating device 6. As soon as the actuating device 6 has reached the desired weight 1 or its pivot plate 12, the sleeve 16 is pivoted by means of the adjusting device 9. In this way, the pivot plate 12 is moved into a pivot position as is indicated in FIG. 5 a by the dash-dotted line. In this position the circular arc 14 of the cutout 13 of the pivot plate 12 will come to rest in the sawtooth-like constriction of the rod-shaped lifting device 2 in such a way that the pivot plate 12 is coupled with the rod-shaped lifting device 2 positive-lockingly in the lifting direction.

In this position, the lifting device 2 can be actuated, i.e. moved up or down. By coupling a selected weight 1 with this lifting device 2 by means of the positive-lockingly engaging pivot plate 12 the weights 1 on top are entrained as a result of their stacked arrangement.

In order to realize a new weight adjustment it is necessary to first return the adjusting device 9 so that the pivot plate 12 is returned again into its initial position. In this way, the pivot plate 12 is released from the rod-shaped lifting device 2 and is positioned in the longitudinal slot 15. Since the head of the pivot plate 12 is then again aligned with the heads 4 of the other pivot plates 12, it is now possible again by means of the adjusting device 9 to move the actuating device 6 up or down in order to select in this way a new pivot plate 12. In this case, the sequence is repeated as described.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 weights -   2 lifting device -   3 bolt -   4 head -   5 neck -   6 actuating device -   7 prong -   8 rod -   9 adjusting device -   10 endless belt -   11 additional weight -   12 pivot plate -   13 cutout -   14 circular arc -   15 longitudinal slot -   16 sleeve 

1.-12. (canceled)
 13. A device for training the muscles of the body, the device comprising: a stack of main weights arranged on top one another, a lifting device for lifting all or some of the main weights; adjustable coupling elements for coupling a selected main weight with the lifting device, wherein the coupling elements are aligned with one another on a vertical line; wherein the main weights each have correlated therewith one of the coupling elements, respectively; an actuating device acting on the coupling elements and linearly slidable along the coupling elements; wherein the actuating device has an actuating position for each one of the coupling elements, wherein the actuating device in the actuating position acts on and adjusts the coupling element, respectively, so that the main weight correlated with the coupling element is coupled with the lifting device; wherein the actuating device is pivotable for adjusting the coupling element in the actuating position; an adjusting device correlated with the actuating device; a rod that is freely pivotable about a longitudinal axis; wherein the actuating device and the adjusting device are arranged freely longitudinally slidable but non-rotatably on the rod.
 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein an adjusting movement of the actuating device is realized by hand or by an electrical drive.
 15. The device according to claim 13, wherein the actuating device has a gripping device for gripping the coupling elements individually.
 16. The device according to claim 13, wherein the actuating device and the adjusting device are movement-coupled.
 17. The device according to claim 13, wherein the actuating device and the adjusting device are movement-coupled by an endless belt.
 18. The device according to claim 13, wherein the coupling elements each have a head and the actuating device is fork-shaped and has two prongs between which the head is located.
 19. The device according to claim 13, wherein all or some of the main weights each have an additional weight of a smaller mass, wherein the coupling elements each have a first adjustment position in which the coupling element engages the main weight, respectively, and a second adjustment position in which the coupling element engages additionally the additional weight, respectively.
 20. The device according to claim 13, wherein the coupling elements each are a bolt that is movable in longitudinal direction of the bolt.
 21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the bolt comprises a head, a bolt body, and a neck connecting the head to the bolt body.
 22. The device according to claim 13, wherein the coupling elements each are a pivot plate that is pivotably arranged on the correlated main weight, wherein the pivot plate in a first pivot position positive-lockingly engages the lifting device and in a second pivot position is disengaged from the lifting device.
 23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the lifting device is embodied as a rod that penetrates the pivot plate.
 24. A device for training the muscles of the body, the device comprising: a stack of main weights arranged on top one another, a lifting device for lifting all or some of the main weights; adjustable coupling elements for coupling a selected main weight with the lifting device, wherein the coupling elements are aligned with one another on a vertical line; wherein the main weights each have correlated therewith one of the coupling elements, respectively; an actuating device acting on the coupling elements and linearly slidable along the coupling elements; wherein the actuating device has an actuating position for each one of the coupling elements, wherein the actuating device in the actuating position acts on and adjusts the coupling element, respectively, so that the main weight correlated with the coupling element is coupled with the lifting device; wherein the actuating device is pivotable for adjusting the coupling element in the actuating position; an adjusting device correlated with the actuating device; a stationary rod; a sleeve that is disposed on the stationary rod so as to be freely pivotable and longitudinally slidable; wherein the actuating device and the adjusting device are arranged fixedly on the sleeve.
 25. The device according to claim 24, wherein an adjusting movement of the actuating device is realized by hand or by an electrical drive.
 26. The device according to claim 24, wherein the actuating device has a gripping device for gripping the coupling elements individually.
 27. The device according to claim 24, wherein the actuating device and the adjusting device are movement-coupled.
 28. The device according to claim 24, wherein the actuating device and the adjusting device are movement-coupled by an endless belt.
 29. The device according to claim 24, wherein the coupling elements each have a head and the actuating device is fork-shaped and has two prongs between which the head is located.
 30. The device according to claim 24, wherein all or some of the main weights each have an additional weight of a smaller mass, wherein the coupling element each have a first adjustment position in which the coupling element engages the main weight, respectively, and a second adjustment position in which the coupling element engages additionally the additional weight, respectively.
 31. The device according to claim 24, wherein the coupling elements each are a bolt that is movable in longitudinal direction of the bolt.
 32. The device according to claim 31, wherein the bolt comprises a head, a bolt body, and a neck connecting the head to the bolt body.
 33. The device according to claim 24, wherein the coupling elements each are a pivot plate that is pivotably arranged on the correlated main weight, wherein the pivot plate in a first pivot position positive-lockingly engages the lifting device and in a second pivot position is disengaged from the lifting device.
 34. The device according to claim 33, wherein the lifting device is embodied as a rod that penetrates the pivot plate. 